IceStone and Durat – the latest materials for the production of countertops

In our country, inexpensive kitchen countertops made of chipboard are still the most popular, about which our site of advice wrote in detail. In the West, according to statistics, more than a third of homeowners choose an artificial stone – quartzite. However, quartz has competitors – Durat and IceStone.

Let’s start with IceStone. This is a transmaterial created by recycling waste. In this case, glass. Redesigned materials, as the portal told you, are becoming more and more widespread. IceStone cannot be said to be 100% recycled. Glass and cement processed into terrazzo-like composites make up 75% of the material.

However, according to manufacturers, the very ability to send hundreds of tons of glass for recycling makes IceStone an excellent alternative to materials of petrochemical origin and products from non-renewable raw materials..

IceStone really looks like terrazzo. However, blotches of glass look much more airy and brighter than pieces of stone. In terms of durability, IceStone is comparable to granite, it is not afraid of ultraviolet radiation and moisture, it looks very attractive, it can be of different colors. It is easy to give the material any shape and thickness, which makes it possible to use it not only for the production of countertops, but also as a wall, floor covering. Sandblasting allows for more variation in shades and colors, adds IceStone texture.

In conclusion, we note that IceStone countertops combine the advantages of concrete and all-glass work surfaces, they are easy to care for, and their stylish appearance makes them a highlight of the interior.

Unlike IceStone, Durat is manufactured by recycling plastic. This material was invented in Europe, but today production also works in the USA, where there is also plenty of plastic in landfills. Durat is most often a monochromatic material, but, like IceStone, it can imitate terrazzo – the inclusions will not be glass, but plastic.

The share of recycled plastic in Durat does not yet exceed 30%, it is created on the basis of polyester, and thermoforming allows you to create curved surfaces. The material is sanded, the surface can be either shiny or matte, which is more suitable for kitchen conditions.

According to the manufacturers, Durat can be used to make not only countertops, but also sinks, sinks, including integrated ones, like made of artificial stone. This greatly expands the possibilities of using this newest material, characterized by good performance and durability. Like IceStone, Durat is seamless.

We admit that Durat and IceStone are not yet represented on the Russian market. In the United States, the cost of such countertops exceeds $ 1000 per linear meter, products are created to order. Manufacturers promise that as technology develops and improves, the cost will fall. This makes sense, considering that the materials are based on recycled plastic and glass..